Multimodality imaging of somatostatin receptor-positive tumors with nuclear and bioluminescence imaging
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Updated: May 24, 2026
Monitoring Tumor Metastases and Osteolytic Lesions with Bioluminescence and Micro CT Imaging
Published on: April 14, 2011
Stefan E Pool1, Timo L M ten Hagen, Stuart Koelewijn
1Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. s.pool@erasmusmc.nl
Abstract:
Multimodal bioluminescence (BLI) and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging were investigated as means to monitor somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SST2)-positive neuroendocrine tumors as both a subcutaneously implanted and a liver metastasis animal model in mice and rats. Ultimately, such a model will be of use for studying SST2-targeted peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). CA20948 cells were transfected with a green fluorescent protein/luciferase plasmid construct. Cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the shoulder of nude mice: nontransfected cells in the left shoulder and transfected cells in the right shoulder. BLI, SPECT/CT imaging, biodistribution analysis, and ex vivo autoradiography of the tumors were performed. BLI and SPECT/CT imaging were also performed on an intrahepatic tumor model in the rat. Caliper volume measurement of transfected tumors could be correlated with BLI measurements (R2 = .76). SPECT/CT imaging showed high levels of accumulation of 111In-DTPA-octreotide in control and transfected tumors, which was confirmed by biodistribution analysis and autoradiography. Subcapsular inoculation of transfected cells in rat liver resulted in an intrahepatic tumor, which could be visualized by both SPECT/CT and BLI. Transfection of CA20948 tumor cells did not alter the growth properties of the cell line or the expression of SST2. Transfected tumors could be clearly visualized by BLI and SPECT/CT imaging. The transfected SST2-positive tumor cell line could represent a novel preclinical model for tumor monitoring in studies that aim at further optimizing PRRT for neuroendocrine tumors.
Insights
This study developed a novel preclinical model for monitoring somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SST2)-positive neuroendocrine tumors using bioluminescence (BLI) and SPECT/CT imaging, aiding future peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) optimization.
Area of Science:
- * Medical Imaging
- * Oncology
- * Molecular Biology
Background:
- * Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) often overexpress somatostatin receptors (SST2).
- * Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) targets SST2-positive NETs.
- * Preclinical models are crucial for optimizing PRRT efficacy and monitoring tumor response.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To establish and validate a multimodal imaging model for monitoring SST2-positive NETs.
- * To assess the utility of bioluminescence (BLI) and SPECT/CT imaging in preclinical NET models.
- * To evaluate a transfected cell line for its suitability in studying PRRT.
Main Methods:
- * Transfection of CA20948 cells with a luciferase plasmid for BLI.
- * Establishment of subcutaneous and intrahepatic NET models in mice and rats.
- * Multimodal imaging using BLI and SPECT/CT with 111In-DTPA-octreotide.
- * Correlation of imaging data with tumor volume and biodistribution analysis.
Main Results:
- * BLI and SPECT/CT successfully visualized both subcutaneous and intrahepatic SST2-positive NET models.
- * Tumor caliper measurements correlated well with BLI data (R2 = .76).
- * 111In-DTPA-octreotide showed high accumulation in tumors, confirmed by biodistribution and autoradiography.
- * Cell transfection did not alter tumor growth or SST2 expression.
Conclusions:
- * A transfected SST2-positive cell line provides a viable preclinical model for NET research.
- * Multimodal BLI and SPECT/CT imaging effectively monitor tumor growth and treatment response in vivo.
- * This model facilitates further optimization of SST2-targeted PRRT for neuroendocrine tumors.
